A collection of exclusive images depicting life in Copeland in the 19th and 20th centuries is being showcased by The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven.
This is the first time the museum has presented these images and information online, allowing locals to delve into the history of their ancestors and local towns and villages.
The museum hosts over 10,000 photographs from across Copeland as well as over 5,000 negative images.
The photographs are being shared through the museum’s social media channels alongside captions depicting the content and people are invited to share their local knowledge too.
Alan Irwin, Business Development Manager at The Beacon Museum, said: “Through unpacking a bit more about the context behind each image that we share, we have already had respondents identify objects, places and long lost relatives from well over a century ago.
“We would like to continue that type of feedback where we unpack the wider story behind a simple image and encourage people to share their local knowledge.
“Through this we can help expand our knowledge of what once was, creating a rich historical archive benefiting residents for years to come.
“The feature is already proving popular, with a recent story about Whitehaven’s Wellington pit having been read over 24,000 times online. The aim is to gather information and gauge interest in what historical themes matter to local communities.”
To keep up to date with this exciting photographic collection, visit the Beacon Museum’s Facebook, Twitter (@TheBeaconMuseum) and Instagram (@thebeaconmuseumwhitehaven).
For more information contact The Beacon Museum on 01946 592302 or visit thebeacon-whitehaven.co.uk.
